Gearless Ratchet

[Andrew Button]

Hey everybody, I just got a gearless ratchet. A roller clutch inside of the head instead of pawl. Its oddly quiet and appears to have no feedback. I think this would be a great tool review for Eric, as I am totally unsure of this concept.. any thoughts ?

Topic

[Shannon]

Does this mean that there’s no ‘dead zone’ when working with one of these tools? If that’s so, that could be insanely useful. There have been many times where I’ve been working on something way down in the engine and I had to deal with the ratchet tightening that hard to get to bolt ONE PAWL AT A TIME. I’m sure many of you know exactly what I’m talking about.

[James O’Hara]

My thought is it might be useful in a tight spot but, more then likely it is not going to stand up to heavy torque.

[Greg L]

Seen them before, basically a sprag inside of them IIRC. Can’t remember what tool guys were peddling them now, but I’d question the warranty on them. 2 years from now, will they still be made and able to get a warranty? Matco already burned me once over some tools that had a warranty on them, but are no longer serviced. Guess who I’m not buying from any time soon?

[Andrew Button]

No Pawls. No feedback either. In theory it sounds great. I haven’t had a chance to run it through the paces yet. Then I will have an opinion. For now, I am undecided.

[Andrew Button]

I have used the same SK Tuff1 ratchet for 25 years — back when SK was Facom. Not the stuff now. Not much dead space. However, there is NO ratchet even close to the dual 80 Snap-on. I would say there is no other ratchet even worth buying. The reason I am suggesting Eric give the gearless a review is because it’s such a weird wrench.

[James O’Hara]

I think it would make for a good review I just want to know where the wear points are. How long it takes before the wear becomes an issue. an How much torque can you put on it. My 3/8 will take all my strength atm which is way more the it should. Basically I want to see it take 350′ lbs at the drive without breaking and I will call it a good ratchet. Otherwise it still might end up in my box for running stuff in and out of tight access but, I wouldn’t trust it for final torqueing or nut busting which would make it kinda useless especially with all the wobble extensions, universal, etc I have I doubt I would need it but, for 20 bucks for it and the palm ratchet might be worth it.

[Andrew Button]

The claim it can take more torque than a pawl ratchet. The bearings inside are pretty good sized. Using it however is not fun — no feedback, weird…would I get it near a Cat engine or Kenworth lugnut ? Not a chance, I want to keep using my hands.

[Author]

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